By Myfanwy Garman

The Spanish giants have a terrible record in the home of the Bundesliga but the former Blancos defender feels that Carlo Ancelotti's men can end that run this time around

EXCLUSIVEBy Alberto Pinero

Fernando Hierro has warned his former club, Real Madrid, that German teams always prove difficult opposition and that it will not be any different against Schalke on Wednesday.

Madrid have found trips to Germany notoriously difficult, with only one win in their last 25 attempts, while it was the scene of their nadir last season as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund courtesy of four goals from Robert Lewandowski.

And the 45-year-old, who spent 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, making over 435 appearances for the Primera Division giants, has warned of the perils of underestimating Schalke in their last-16 Champions League tie.

"The key is the competitive nature of German football. German teams never try to leave the door open. They are very demanding, always playing up until the last moment," he told Goal.

"It is always difficult to play in Germany."

Although their track record might suggest otherwise, Hierro is confident that Madrid can ease past Jens Keller's men, especially as Los Blancos have recently hit their best form and are top of La Liga for the first time since 2012.

"You never know what will happen and, as Schalke have reached the second round of Champions League, they're rivals to the best teams in Europe," he continued.

"But Real Madrid are in fantastic form and I think they have a lot of confidence and this is a great time to eliminate Schalke from the Champions League."